The Complete Art

OF

MAKING

THE

Chemical Fulminating Objects,

&c. &c. &c.

Entered at Stationers' Hall.

The whole Secret laid Open,

OR THE

COMPLETE ART

OF

MAKING

THE CHEMICAL

FULMINATING OBJECTS,

SUCH AS THE

Lace, or Girt of Security,

Fulminating Letters, Balls, Bombs,

GARTERS, CARDS, SPIDERS, SEGARS,

Chairs, Drawers, Boots, Shoes, &c. &c.

FOURTH EDITION.

LONDON:

Published by J. JOHNSTON, 98, Cheapside, for
the Author, 12, King-Street, Portman-Square, and sold
by all Booksellers.

ADDRESS

TO THE READER.

That Chemistry is one of the most sublime sciences is generally acknowledged; to it may be ascribed the brilliant discoveries lately made in the arts and sciences, and without whose aid the wonderful phenomena, which are the subject of the following pages, could never have been discovered. The Author has for some time observed the wonder occasioned by the introduction of the chemical Fulminating Objects to the Public: they are indeed objects of wonder, and when it is considered how trifling a portion of matter it requires to produce effects so surprising, we cannot but hail that science as truly grand, which can create such rare productions, from what we daily handle, with such safety and unconcern, and without which we should be at a loss to carry on our intercourse in trade; I mean Silver, which is the basis of all the objects presented to view. I have long seen with astonishment the manufacture of these objects, and the knowledge of that manufacture confined to very few persons, and I considered that it could not but be very much wished by all who had witnessed these astonishing productions, to acquire a true knowledge of how, and by what means, they were produced; I therefore examined them minutely, and having discovered their composition, I have given them to the Public in an entire and perfect form, accompanied with patterns of the most difficult, and have enlarged them by several objects of my own invention. That they will be found an innocent amusement, as well as a safeguard, need not be doubted, and also tend to exemplify the astonishing powers of Chemistry, the study of which I would earnestly recommend to all who have not studied that science, and to those who have, to continue it with a steady perseverance. It is a study in itself truly sublime, it is highly conducive to morality, and tends most materially to convince every wavering or doubting mind, that the world we inhabit, and all its necessaries, its conveniences, its luxuries, and its blessings, are the work of that Divine Author

Having said thus much, I can only assure my reader, that by adhering to the rules I have laid down in the following pages, they may enjoy a rational and innocent employment of time, and be able to inform learned enquirers the nature and properties of the objects of their leisure hours' amusement, and that it may inspire them with a thirst for nearer acquaintance with chemical truths, is the sincere wish of